An Erie father is opening up about the loss of his daughter, hoping her story encourages other families to recognize the often‑hidden signs of youth mental health struggles.
Michael Kerchansky says his 15-year-old daughter, Ziva, was vibrant, creative, and full of personality — a teenager who expressed herself boldly through art, fashion, and music. But after the isolation of the COVID‑19 pandemic, he says he watched her change in ways he still struggles to understand.
“She loved to express herself… don’t care what people think, express yourself and do what you’re going to do,” Kerchansky said. “That’s how she lived.”…